This diverse landscape lends itself perfectly to scenic helicopter flights. Taking off from the Lodge you will fly over the 50,000-acre Finniss River Station to Five Mile Beach and the mouth of the Finniss River. Hover over pockets of ancient rainforest, admire the palette in coastal cliffs, and circle a field of towering termite mounds. Spot large flocks of magpie geese and brolgas, swoop low over buffalo and see crocodiles warming themselves on the river banks. This is a photographer’s paradise!
Take a 20 minute heli flight from the Lodge to Litchfield National Park, and land at remote Sandy Creek above Tjaynera Falls. Experience the thrill as your pilot manoeuvres the heli onto a rocky platform right beside crystal clear waters. With no-one else around, this is the perfect spot for a refreshing swim and picnic lunch. This trip can be combined with a ground tour with Indigenous guide, Tess Atie, or a flight to Crab Claw Island Resort to join a fishing charter on Bynoe Harbour (National Parks require at least 7 days’ notice to grant a landing permit for Sandy Creek, so it is essential to pre-book. Booking even earlier will help guarantee availability).
We highly recommend pre-booking a full hour of heli flying time to add a whole new perspective to your Finniss River Lodge stay.
Meet Marrathiel woman, Tess Atie, and explore the Indigenous culture of Param country set against a backdrop of dramatic waterfalls and rugged woodland. No subject is off-limits for this bright, passionate ambassador for reconciliation. With years of experience as a guide and ranger, Tess recounts the stories of her people with warmth and candour, and is sure to leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.
Tess grew up on country that is now Litchfield National Park and will share the region’s pioneer history and rich Aboriginal tradition. Get hands on as she reveals a deep understanding of bush foods and resources that has been passed down through generations.
Litchfield is a 20 minute helicopter flight from Finniss River Lodge and Tess’s tour can be combined with a landing at remote Sandy Creek for a swim and picnic lunch.
Take a charter on a high-speed fishing vessel to troll for elusive barramundi in the mangrove-lined inlets of Bynoe Harbour, head out to sea for jewfish, GT and snapper, or haul in a freshwater barra on the picturesque Finniss River.
Finniss River Lodge’s location leaves you spoilt for choice depending on the season, conditions and your angling interests. Boat ramps for river, harbour and bluewater fishing are within 20 minutes’ drive of the Lodge.
Half or full day fishing charters are available and include top quality equipment. Your vessel pulls up right in front of Crab Claw Island Resort’s open-sided restaurant where lunch is served overlooking the water. Your expert fishing guide will make suggestions to get the most out of the day, and may include a combination of sites such as Bynoe Harbour and freshwater Finniss River.
Half day fishing charters can be combined with a swim and picnic lunch at Sandy Creek or tour with Indigenous guide Tess Atie, all linked by spectacular heli flight between Litchfield National Park and Crab Claw Island Resort.
Please note there are no bathroom or toilet facilities on the fishing vessel.